Audit critical of Phoenix PD investigations

An internal audit shows poor case management and improperly conducted interviews are too common within a Phoenix Police Department investigations bureau that looks into crimes against children including sexual abuse and assault.

The Arizona Republic reports investigators re-examined 969 cases assigned to the Family Investigations Bureau during a one-year period. It determined that The department’s case-management policies were not followed in more than 400 of the cases.

The audit found that detectives did not properly document or follow up on interviews with victims, suspects and witnesses in 279 of the cases, including some in which investigators relied on state Child Protective Services employees to conduct the interviews.

In 98 cases, evidence was not properly handled.

Acting Phoenix Police Chief Joe Yahner says ensuring prosecution of every potentially viable case that may have fallen through the cracks remains a top priority.